Introduced in 1903 there are around 20 different nursery rhyme designs based on illustrations by William Savage Cooper to collect and still other designs by others too. The earliest pieces of Savage Cooper’s are found on china with gold accenting, whilst later earthenware examples can be found on Doulton’s Art Deco earthenware shapes.

Typically gifts for children these pieces were no doubt broken and many today show signs of much use along the way, but their popularity ensured that they remained in production for a relatively long period to around 1939, meaning that there are examples in good condition to collect. Unusual boxed sets do turn up occasionally and I know of collectors who solely collect nursery wares and who have amassed great collections.

  
A catalogue page from the 1920’s.